There wasn’t a signature “night, night” moment in Paris today, but the U.S. women’s national basketball team made history by securing their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in a nail-biting 67-66 victory over France. The game was a true thriller, filled with high drama and unforgettable moments that will be talked about for years to come. If you missed it, make sure to catch the replay—it was a game for the ages.
While the on-court action was spectacular, some of the most poignant moments came after the final buzzer. One of the most touching scenes featured Team USA and WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu, who celebrated the hard-fought victory by sharing an emotional embrace with Vanessa Bryant and her daughters, Natalia, 21, Bianka, 7, and Capri, 5. The family was seated courtside alongside Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant’s former teammate and close friend, who was there with his one-year-old son, Max.
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Ionescu’s connection with the Bryant family runs deep. Kobe and his daughter Gianna became fans of Ionescu during her time at Oregon, often attending her games and offering mentorship. Kobe took Ionescu under his wing, sharing his vast knowledge of the game and fostering a bond that transcended basketball. Tragically, that bond was cut short when Kobe, Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter crash in 2020.
In the aftermath of that devastating loss, Ionescu remained close to the Bryant family, becoming like a member of the family. Her relationship with them has only grown stronger, and her connection to Kobe and Gianna’s legacy is something she carries with her every day.
At Kobe and Gianna’s memorial service, Ionescu delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. “I carry Kobe and Gigi with me every day and honor their legacies through my dedication to the game,” she said during the service. “I wake up every day grateful for the platform I’ve been given and I strive to lead by example and serve as a role model for young people and especially girls to pursue sports—a platform Kobe and Gigi were passionate about.”
Ionescu’s words and actions reflect her commitment to honoring the legacy of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and her postgame moment with Vanessa and her daughters served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact Kobe had on so many lives.
As the celebration of yet another gold medal continues, it’s clear that the spirit of Kobe and Gianna lives on through athletes like Ionescu, who continue to inspire on and off the court.
